Graduate Students Receive Morgan Book Fund Awards

Three Saint Louis University students have received assistance in purchasing textbooks and supplies for the academic year, thanks to a book fund established in honor of a former University doctoral student.

Olufemi Olorunda (master's in public heath), Beth Rath (Ph.D. in philosophy), and Kayla Sutton (master's of health administration) are the recipients of this year's Edward L. and Rhelda Marby Morgan, Ph.D., Endowed Book Fund. Edward Morgan established the fund in honor of his late wife who, at the time of her death, was completing her dissertation in American studies at Saint Louis University.

This year marks the 14th anniversary of the fund providing textbooks and supplies for graduate students at Saint Louis University. Each of this year's awardees received $900 to help them purchase books and supplies.

To be eligible for the award, an applicant must be a full-time graduate student pursuing a degree in American studies, communication, educational studies, English, philosophy, public health studies or theological studies.

To receive the award, students must submit an essay expressing the type person they think Rhelda Morgan was, as well as articulating their commitment to her ideals and values. A resume reflecting their leadership in promoting diversity and service to school, church and/or community must accompany the essay.

Rhelda Morgan taught in the St. Louis public schools for 24 years. She also held an adjunct appointment at Harris-Stowe State College, where she earned her bachelor's degree. She earned her masters' degree at Webster University. At the time of her death in 1996, she had completed the coursework for her Ph.D. in American studies and her degree was conferred posthumously.

She was a mentor to students studying to become teachers and supervised the classroom experience of trainees from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Principia College. A devout Christian, Morgan volunteered in her church in many capacities and served as a counselor for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation.